Page 40 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

Delaney didn’t say anything, and when I turned to look at her, I laughed.

Her jaw hung open. “You aren’t lying. This is really what happened. That’s crazy!”

“It was wild. But then when I was trying to help him fill out paperwork at the hospital because he didn’t have any ID on him, I figured out who he was. He didn’t want anyone at the ranch to know what kind of shape he was in because he didn’t want his dad to cut his honeymoon short. They’ve waited like a year or more to go someplace.” I set the broom aside and grabbed the dustpan. “Anyway, I took Garrett back to my apartment, but someone was bound to see him. And Eli wasn’t going to leave me alone. He showed up just because I’d closed the shop.”

“He was concerned.” Delaney made a face. “Really worried because you hadn’t closed the shop since... you know.”

“Yeah. Well, Garrett rented a house for the week. I made sure he got his meds on time and made us food. We had a nice time.”

“And?” She grinned.

“That’s it. I don’t know what else you want me to say.” I didn’t give Delaney all the details about the rooftop porch and the private hot tub because I knew that my definition of friendship and hers weren’t even in the same dictionary.

Delaney’s eyes rolled so far up into her head it looked like it hurt. “We’re talking about the tall, muscular Garrett who has those blue eyes, right? Any sparks? Did you kiss him?”

I’d thought about kissing him a lot, but I wasn’t going to say that to Delaney. “No, I didn’t kiss him. We’re friends.” I sighed. “You know I don’t date. That hasn’t changed.”

“You haven’t dated for seven years. Whatever you were trying to prove to yourself, I think you’ve accomplished that. I think you need to leave the past behind and see what’s right in front of you.” She opened her arms to give me a hug. “The two of y’all would be adorable together. But I’ll be quiet about it.”

I couldn’t tell Delaney that I saw what was in front of me, wanted it more than words could express, but was terrified that I’d be a disappointment. Being heartbroken by a cheater was one thing, but being told I wasn’t good enough was rejection on a whole other level. I couldn’t handle that twice.

“Thanks. Besides Eli, I haven’t really had a guy friend. I thought it would be weird spending a week with Garrett, but it wasn’t. Not at all.”

“Sometimes you start talking to someone, and it feels like you’ve been friends for a long time even though it’s only been a short time.” She smiled. “I get it.”

“It is like that. Or at least it was like that this week. Now that we’re back to regular life, I probably won’t see much of him. He has a life.”

“This is a small town. I bet you’ll see him.” Delaney looked down at her phone. “Eli is on his way to the house. We’re going to watch a movie. Want to come?”

“No thanks. I’m going to finish up here and tuck in early. Have fun.” The last thing I wanted to do tonight was watch my very happy friends cuddle.

She left, and once again, I was alone with my thoughts. Tonight there would be no evening hot tub soak or late-night stargazing. It would just be me alone in my apartment. I’d never minded that before.

That nightas I crawled in bed early enough that Garrett would laugh if he had any idea, my phone buzzed. After settling in and getting my covers smoothed out, I picked up the phone.

Garrett texted:I wanted to catch you before you went lights out. I’ve kind of gotten used to telling you good night, so good night, Tessa.

I tapped out a reply and hit send.What a nice surprise! Good night to you too. I just tucked in bed so I can be awake early to make the doughnuts.

See you soon.

His reply had me smiling.

Chapter 13

Yawning, I ran down my list, glad that I’d taken the time to make it. Getting back into the swing of mornings wasn’t easy. Partially because my thoughts kept jumping to Garrett.

The coffee was made. I’d replenished the sugar and the creamer. The case was full of warm doughnuts. And it was time for me to unlock the door.

I flipped the bolt, then turned the sign. Hopefully, word had spread that I was open again. The door opened before I made it to the counter, and I spun around. “Good mor—”

Garrett waved. “Hey.”

“Good morning. I’m surprised to see you here this early.” I hugged him before hurrying back behind the counter.

“I was hoping if I got here when you opened, the praline doughnuts might still be warm.”

I put one on a plate, then picked up a mug. “They are. This is on the house.”

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